just got my s5ii and im so pumped for my Tokyo trip next month! so i was thinking about the 20-60mm kit since its tiny but people keep saying the 24-105mm f4 is the better all-rounder.
i have about $800 left so i cant decide if the extra reach is gonna be worth the extra weight...
I grabbed a used Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. for my Tokyo trip and it was amazing!
- better reach
- awesome macro The extra weight is totally worth it!
Saw your post and honestly, been super happy with my S5II setup for travel. If you are worried about the weight of the 24-105 but want better low light performance than the kit lens, you should definitely check out the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary for L-Mount. It basically hits the sweet spot for a Tokyo trip where you are walking 20k steps a day. I have used it for a while now and honestly have no complaints about the optical quality or the autofocus speed on the new phase detect system. Here is why it works well for your $800 budget:
- Weight: It only weighs about 470g. That is significantly lighter than the 24-105, making it very easy to carry around Shinjuku all night without your neck hurting.
- Constant Aperture: Having that f/2.8 is a life saver when the sun goes down. The kit lens starts hitting f/5.6 pretty fast which forces your ISO way up in those narrow alleys.
- Size: It is barely larger than the 20-60mm kit lens but the build quality feels much more professional and sturdy.
- Cost: You can usually find these brand new for around $799, which fits your budget perfectly. While you lose that 20mm ultra-wide end, the 28-70mm range covers almost everything you will actually shoot in a city environment. The bokeh at 70mm f/2.8 is actually quite nice for street portraits too. It is a very methodical choice if you want to keep the kit light without sacrificing that fast glass feel.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. Youre a lifesaver honestly.
